chased leaders, hit 7th, driven and lost place next, tailed off from 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 8th, led 2 out, soon ridden, headed and no extra flat
mid-division, lost place halfway, soon well behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 8th, outpace 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
led, hit 4 out, driven next, headed 2 out, soon ridden but kept on flat
held up towards rear, headway 8th, chased leaders 3 out, ridden next, stayed on well under pressure to lead flat
behind, headway 8th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened after next
Another interesting line-up on this very good Wetherby card, and the vote goes to Crystal d'Ainay ahead of Telemoss and St Matthew. The Stayers' Hurdle third is officially rated at least 23 pounds higher than his rivals and, given that he has shown that he can run well fresh in the past, can land this contest and further cement his claims to be still considered as one of the leading stayers in the land. Inching Closer comes next in the ratings and the Pertemps Final winner at the Cheltenham Festival of 2003 can certainly bag some money if in that type of mood as he returns to hurdling following a novice chase season. St Matthew has won his last three races, one of them over hurdles, but has a huge amount to find with the selection based on official marks, while the injury-prone Telemoss, who has proven himself very useful over hurdles and fences, might also grab some money if anywhere near fully fit after a 280-day break. However, it is impossible to ignore the credentials of Crystal d'Ainay, who gets the vote.
